The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-03-24
THE HADDOCK MURDER.
Beginning of the Trial of John Arensdorf-
Brief History of the Crime.

Sioux City, Ia, March 23.-The trial of John
Arensdorf for the murder Of Rev. George c.
Haddock began this morning. United States
Attorney Murphy withdrew his appearance as
one of the counsel for the prosecution on the
ground that there was not money enough to pay
attorneys No objection was raised to Judge
Lewis, as had been anticipated. and the work of
impanelng was begun. Many newspaper
porters from all parts are in attendance, and the
courtroom is packed W ith friends of both sides,
and many attorneys are seated within the rail-
ing. The defendant, Arensdorf, his wife and
four children occupied conspicuous positions
near his counsel. S. NJ. Marsh conducted the
jury challenges for the prosecution and L. c.
Clark for the defense.
Columns Of matter have been published con-
cerning the assassination of DR.. Haddock, but a
brief resume of the principal facts of tie tragedy
may serve to refresh the memories of those who
will read the daily reports of the trial, giving
them connected history of the case.
The Rev. George c. Haddock was pastor of
the Methodist Church OF this city, and was
highly esteemed By the better class Of citizens
Of all faiths, because Of his ZEAL eloauence, 10y
atty TO conviction and rare personal courage
Impelled by high sense of duty, he undertook
10 aid the Law and Order League of this city in
their efforts TO close up the saloons that were
openly and defiantly violating the law. HIS
served as nformer and prosecutor, collecting
evidence and procuring islunctions against the
iGadfng oneEdefe. On the first of August there
were Fifty Injunction cases pending in the courts
Of the county. Tne saloon men at bay, and
with their friends and bummers were wrought
up TO n high pitch OF excitement On the
night of Aug 3. Mr. Haddock hired livery
~horse and drove ont of town to secure evil
dence for the liquor cases that were
to be brought the next day. Returning about 10
o'clock, the night being dark and stormy, he was
waylald after leaving the stable and shot down
In cold blood the ass sassluS bullet entering the
back of his neck and coming out near his mouth,
producing almost instant death. An inquest was
held, n great mass of testimony collected but
the verdict rendered to the effect that the
act was committed by parties unknown. 1t was
generally believed that the murder was the re-
suit of conspiracy of lqnor sellers, but the evi-
deDce was not brought out at the inquest
a month or TWO later man known as FL. L..
Jeavitt, stroling play wright of the variety or
der, was induced by offers of immunity to make
statement of the facts to the couspr-
acy and murder His story was told with di
rectness. bearing internal evidence of truth.
1t was to the effect that the crowd
Of consprators went ont to ''do up
: Mr. Haddock, not to kill him. He
vent as he said. "to a sugging match and
witnessed a murder" He charged that the
shooting was done by John Arensdorf, the de-
fcndant in tile pending trial. He gave details
which have been, in the main, corroborated by
the statements Of two other members of the
!. Dand VINO are now under Indictment Tor con
pbpiracy.
Arensdorf ls a man of powerful physique, pos
sessinc sufficient courage to assail any mar
y HON he regarded as his personal enemy. Blu,
he has not borne the reputation of bully OF
desperate. He is genial and companlonabl,
anon. his class. ana thoroughly imbued with
the idea that any man that NEEDLES with his
business, or personal liberty" should be re
sisted to the bitter end Very properly, his tria
is to precede the others under Indictment ant
I he must bear the brunt of the investigation
Whether or not he will be found guilty remain.
to be seen.
Much interest is manifested in the city and tn
courthouse has been filed all day. but only on
or two ladies were noticed. Mrs Arensdorf AM
children did not appear during the afternoon
Leavtt, the nformer, is in the city, but does no
leave his hotel thinking probably, that the ou,
side air would not be beneficial He need fea
no danger, however, as there is widely differ
ent feeling here now from that which prevaile
six months ago 1t is thought the jury will b
secured tomorrow and evidence begun on Fri
day.